Summer Essentials: Adventure Travel Gear

Whether you’re heading to another side of the Blue Ridge or beyond the border, this adventure travel gear will come in handy on your next trip.

1. Smith Lowdown

Yes, the Risky Business shades are back in style. Smith’s new take is the Lowdown, sunglasses that let you look cool, like a pre-Scientology Tom Cruise, and also offer stalwart performance features including high-quality polarized lenses that are designed to filter glare that persists during coastal hikes or on the water during off-shore paddling trips. Plus the frames are made from a lightweight renewable castor plant that will keep you feeling free when you’re jet-setting between mountain towns.$119; smithoptics.com

2. Patagonia Island Hopper Shirt

This shirt was made for destinations unbound. Built with a blend of recycled poly and organic cotton, it offers relieving ventilation when you find yourself trapped under a blanket of humidity. Patagonia’s fabric also features UPF 15 sun protection and intentional light colors to repel rays. Also, since it dries within minutes you can give it a sink wash when you need to freshen up.$85; patagonia.com

3. Freewaters Scamp

Perfect for expediting airport security and giving feet post-adventure relief, the Freewaters Scamp looks like a standard flop, but you’ll feel the difference of the Therm-a-Rest cushion footbeds. The softness delivers instant comfort, and the ridge design that’s been pleasing campers for years provides air circulation during long sightseeing sessions.$36; freewaters.com

4. Osprey Sojourn 25

Adventure luggage is a real thing. The Osprey Sojourn will roll through the airport like a standard travel piece, but when you suddenly find yourself hitchhiking along a dirt road, unzip the suspension system and throw it on your back. The wheeled pack features nearly 3,600 cubic inches of space, so you’ll have plenty of room to organize essentials, especially in the open main compartment. You can also attach an Osprey Daylite when you need additional space or a convenient daypack for side trips.
$289; ospreypacks.com

5. Eagle Creek All Terrain Money Belt

Now an old standby when it comes to stashing some emergency bills, the All Terrain has an incognito zipper pocket sewn into an unsuspecting utility belt.$20; eaglecreek.com

6. Icebreaker Escape Short

Escape Shorts are all about versatility, equipped for both wandering city streets or impromptu trail jaunts in faraway places. The shorts are made from a blend of cotton and mostly merino wool, which breathes easy and resists odor so slipping them on for a second day in a row won’t cause offense. Plus, the clean cut means you can shroud your inner dirt bag when asking strangers for directions. Women should check out the similar Icebreaker Via.$119; icebreaker.com